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Posts by skysoulmate  

Joined: 10 Jan 2010 / Male ♂
Last Post: 30 Aug 2019
Threads: 13
Posts: 1,276
From: US
Speaks Polish?: Yes, but kiepsko :)
Interests: aviation, gliders, scuba diving, travel

Displayed posts: 1289 / page 43 of 43
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skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

US - UK

traffic circle - roundabout (we simply don't build them here) LOL

pocket book - hand bag HUH? A pocket (small) book turns into a lady's hand bag? Dang feminine Anglos... ;)

You're right, the truth is always somewhere in between.

The hardest languages in the world are generally far east asian especially mandarin and japanese.

Polack is not the hardest language to learn.

wǒ yī or I agree - mandarin is pretty tough. I'm picking up as much Mandarin as can but the pronunciation is tough. Also the dialects are very diverse. Cantonese (Hong Kong area) and Mandarin (most of China) are basically different languages. However even Beijing (Peking?) and Shanghai dialects are pretty different even though it's all Mandarin Chinese.

By the way you meant to say "Polski is not the hardest language to learn." ;)

Zai jain (good bye) :)
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

My favourite example of such a word in English is "queue". I've heard English spelling was heavily influenced by French. That would explain it ;-)

That's why the American English is so much easier, the spelling is more logical, follows the actual pronunciation a little bit more. Of course I'm biased and it all depends on what you're used to.

By the way, if you mention a "queue" in the US they'll think you're talking about a pool (billiard) "cue".

(hey, I'm talking about the cue, not her... ;)

Here instead of queueing we simply wait in line. LOL

...and while I'm at it...

Has there ever been a spelling reform in the Polish language? For example would it be possible to abolish the letter ó and only use u? Or to get rid of the spelling difference of h and ch? ...how about ż and rz? Different spelling but the same pronunciation, right? At least I think so? Has that ever been considered?

I'm wondering because of the way Webster reformed the English language. Noah Webster is the gentlemen who made our lives so much easier here in the US. In his own words he saved us from the "clamour of pedantry" that surround the (British) English grammar and pronunciation. :)

"...Webster complained that the English language had been corrupted by the British aristocracy, which set its own standard for proper spelling and pronunciation. As a spelling reformer, Webster believed that English spelling rules were unnecessarily complex, so his dictionary introduced American English spellings, replacing "colour" with "color", substituting "wagon" for "waggon", and printing "center" instead of "centre"..."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Webster (Off the subject - Note that the statue of Webster in West Hartford, Connecticut which is included in this article was designed by a Polish American - Korczak Ziółkowski)

UK - US

aeroplane - airplane
annexe - annex
cheque - check
doughnut - donut
encyclopaedia - encyclopedia
foetus - fetus
mould - mold
neurone - neuron
disorientated - disoriented
phoney - phony
programme - program
plough - plow
sceptic - skeptic
storey - story
theatre - theater
tyre - tire

Thank you Mr. Webster!

So has there ever been a similar language reform in Poland?
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

I'm still tempted to give up Polish and learn Portuguese, Swedish or Fang instead.

Do it! Swedish is easy, logical and sounds great. American women love the "singing intonation" too... At least so I've heard... ;)

On a more serious note, the foreigners trying to learn Polish shouldn't be too worried about not being fluent... I travel in my job and noticed that as long as you make an attempt, try to learn the local language and respect the traditions and show an interest you will be welcomed whether in Poland, Brasil, Taiwan, China, Malaysia or Japan.

...well, I should add don't tell the Taiwanese they are really part of China because then no matter how much Mandarin you've picked up - you're dead to them... LOL
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

NO! They're all influenced by Greek!

Well, I sort of said that, didn't I? ;)

"...It used to be Greek, then Latin, then French, then German and Russian, now English, soon Mandarin and after that Marsian or maybe Klingon?..."

Even the old Greek language was influenced by other, even older languages...
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]

Jason, I live in the States so my knowledge here is very limited but I do have a Polish heritage and Google is a beautiful thing (except in China apparently but that's a different story). LOL

I've reviewed a few sites in Polish, English and German and basically I believe the term Sołtys (from the German term Schultheiß which in turn came from the Latin word Scultetus) would be equivalent to a mayor of a small village, parish or even small county here in the States. Since in a small village a mayor is responsible for numerous things, all the terms you've used "sheriff", "bailiff", "village headman" could be correct. You probably would also be able to call him an elder. Again, this is what my own extremely unscientific research have shown. (I also see others have posted now and their findings seem to correspond to mine).

Not familiar with the area you mentioned but I've looked up the German names for those towns and maybe that'll help you in your research (since he lived in Prussia, or a Prussian/German period in what today is Polish territory). He lived in Lulkowo (Lulkau), near Poznań (Posen), in Prusy (Preußen or Preussen) and near the city of Trzemeszno (Tremessen). (German version) Poznań (Posen) was the main city in that county.

Not sure if you speak Polish (I can read it but don't write very well). So I took the liberty of translate this Wikipedia article.

pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sołtys
(click for the original Polish version)

I'm certain that I've made many mistakes so I encourage others to correct my translation here. Terms in brackets [ ] are my own clarifications and notes.

Here's my Penglish translation... ;)

Sołtys (German Schultheiss, in the middle ages Latin Scultetus) - in the Middle Ages a person selected by the feudal lord in charge of a village based on the German law. Other versions of scholtis, szoltyz, elder in the medieval legal system is also a rural judge (Dorfschulze) and pioneer (settler), 1180 Schultetus, 1249 Sculte, 1259 Schultheiss, 1300 Schulcz, 1371 Scolcz. [different spelling versions] A sołtys could be a noble person, a citizen [townsman, business man], or a peasant. The rights of an Elder were:

- collecting rent
- chairing the rural court bench,
- when several fiefs [old acreage measurement unit] of land were received the sołtys could settle peasants there who would then become indebted laborers to him,

- was entitled to income from the landlord's share (1/6 rent and 1/3 of judicial penalties),
- had the right to hold shambles, mills, etc.

On the other hand, he was obligated to a horseback military service.

Social and economic status of mayors was relatively significant, they could even compete [in status] with the relatively [average] wealthy nobles. For this reason, the nobility prevailed in getting the king Jagiello to incorporate the Warckie Statutes [agreement] (1423), under which the nobility could redeem the village councils. Over time, from the 15th to the 17th Century the mayors [elders] became the village administrators and supervisors assisting the owners of the villages.

During the partition of Poland [I think this is the time frame which would apply to your relative], and during the interwar period [between WWI and WWII or 1918-1939] a Sołtys was the head-elder of the lowest unit of an administrative division - the "gromada" (~cluster, unit).

In the time frame of 1954 - 1972 the sołtys was the intermediary between the villagers and the Gromadzka national council, after 1973 between the local residents and the municipal council and the head of the peoples commune/municipality [remember that after 1945 the communism is forced upon Poland and many legal terms become "egalitarian sounding".]

Sołtysi [Elders] today
From 1990 and on a sołtys is the executive body of the ancillary unit of a rural community or urban-rural - sołectwa [parish/mayorship]. The legislative body is the villagers meeting which also via direct elections elects the mayor and the mayoral [administrative] council which supports the sołtys (mayor/elder]. Specific arrangements regarding the borders (there are mayoral regions which encompass more than one village), the regulations applicable to the mayor, etc. are governed by sołectwo [parish/mayorship] charter incorporated by the county [village] council seat. Mayors remuneration [compensation] is called dieta [not familiar with that term].

Competence [Obligations]
- represent the parish on the outside,
- convene and organize the parish meetings, and to this end distributes notices and ads regarding the meeting in a way which ensures the largest participation possible of the inhabitants of the parishes,

- implements the resolutions of the city council of parishes, as well as encourages the highest level of comprehension of the council's legislations among the citizens of the parish,

- in the time frame determined by the city council makes the collection of agriculture and forestry taxes as a collector of the tax authorities,
- attends the city council sessions and the legislative bodies without the right to vote,
- is obligated to take part in committee meetings whenever village council issues are being dealt with.

In the urban municipalities the equivalent term to a parish sołtys may be the council chairman of the borough [county] or district.

Sorry 'bout all the typos but I got too busy... :)

Here you can see Lulkowo on the map. Change the scale to find Trzemeszno to the east and Poznań the southwest.

Your great-... grandfather lived only a few miles from Gniezno (to the west) - the very first Capital of Poland. In 1038 (thanks google ;) it was moved to Kraków and a few hundred years later to Warsaw.

https://www.google.com:443/maps?q=62-200+Lulkowo,+Gniezno+County,+Greater+Poland,+Poland&ie=UTF8&hl=en&cd=2&geocode=FYr0IQMd_j4OAQ&split=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=23.875,57.630033&hq&hnear=Lulkowo,+Gniezno+County,+Greater+Poland,+Poland&ll=52.556938,17.710846&spn=0.234615,0.617294&z=11
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What is a scultetus/soltys in Poland? [15]

Sołectwo

A sołectwo [sɔˈwɛt​͡stfɔ] (Polish plural sołectwa) is an administrative unit in Poland, a subdivision of a gmina (although only rural locations are assigned to sołectwos). In many cases it consists of one village, but sometimes large villages may be divided into several sołectwos, while in other cases one sołectwo may consist of several villages or hamlets.

The elected head of a sołectwo is called a sołtys (for etymology see Schultheiß). In Polish villages the house of the current holder of that post is generally marked with a red plaque bearing the word SO£TYS
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]

Clewinton - you seem like a nice guy.

Is there any chance for you to get another job in Poland? Spend more time with her, get to know her, pick up some Polish, learn new traditions and see where it takes you?

Parents always worry about their kids for a good reason; they always assume their child deserves a better husband/wife, that the other person will hurt their child, etc.

If you add different countries, languages and traditions to that equation you can multiply the parents' worries ten-fold.

Respect and acceptance are earned, never deserved. If you spend more time with her, treat her like the princess that I'm sure she is, learn something about her country and her traditions you will guaranteed win over her family.

When your family realizes that you're really serious about her, that she makes you happy and makes you "want to become a better man" (what movie is this quote from? ;), that she tries to learn about your culture and plans for a future with you they will accept her too.

Just my thoughts on it and I wish you both the very best.

Disclaimer - had I followed my own advice or rather had I known better at the time I wouldn't be divorced today. So in a nutshell try to learn from others peoples' mistakes...

PS. I live in the States and my ex was Italian-American but love is universal and knows no borders therefore I think my advice would work in your situation too.
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Work / Looking for information on Polish AF Pay [10]

I appreciate the web link you sent, but I am sorry to say that I do not speak Polish.

Not only that but I subscribed to that website (Susan, Lotnictwo = Aviation) and one of the moderators just posted a message explaining that the website you quoted only uses the Polish language. Interesting since it's an aviation forum and we, the pilots, speak English wherever we fly, well in most countries that is.

Susan, to answer your questions - I am a commercial pilot in the US, have also flown gliders in Scandinavia. Born in Poland, raised in Scandinavia (several countries) and have lived and worked in the US for almost 20 years.

The forum that was recommended to you is very interesting indeed for anyone with an interest in aviation. Strangely enough it seems to be limited to the Polish language only, I can read it but cannot write in Polish (was a kid when we moved away). Good luck with your book.

Susan, maybe you could sign up for that website (free) and post your request (keep it short and sweet) and ask if someone could translate your request to Polish? My post has been translated by someone but like I said a moderator "reminded me" to stick to Polish...

If they reply in Polish I'll be glad to translate to English (I'm USav8or over there).
skysoulmate   
14 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

And honestly, what difference does it make whether your g-g-g-grandfather grew up in Poland, Germany or Russia, and whether he felt like a German, Russian or Pole?

I see your point and there is a fine line between patriotism and nationalism.

However, if the Poles who lived during the partition of Poland - in other words during the time Poland officially didn't exist - if those Poles hadn't taken their heritage "way too seriously" as they did - would Poland exist today? Honestly?
skysoulmate   
13 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

You are absolutely correct. I guess my main point in the "heritage survey" was that here you have a nation that's been brutally and repeatedly raped and pillaged by its neighbors, that has "disappeared" from a world map yet where people are fighting tooth and nail for their language and religion, cling on to their traditions, trying their best to remain Polish.

Fast forward a few hundred years and now you have some descendants of those Poles living in other countries and when a poll asks them what their heritage is they put German or Russian on the form because their grandparents' passport was German or Russian and therefore surely their heritage must be German or Russian. Is that the ultimate irony or what?
skysoulmate   
13 Jan 2010
Work / What jobs pay 10,000 zlotych per month? and Where can i find one? :o) [101]

I have to say I find this thread somewhat perplexing. Is it common for people in Poland to discuss how much they're making? Even with people they don't really know?

I'm not trying to critisise by no means but I guess things make more sense now. I've met several people from central and eastern Europe before and noticed they were really interested in how much money I was making and what kind of benefits, retirement plans, etc. I had. I barely knew those people and was kind of uncomfortable with their questions but maybe that's just a regional preference?

I live in the US but I spent my teenage and young adulthood years in Scandinavia. I guess in the Nordic countries and here in the US talking about how much others are making is considered a faux pas, borderline to a taboo.

I know that cost of living and earning levels differ somewhat between the US and Poland. However, I think the old adage "money can't buy you happiness" is true in both countries. Of course my friends like to add "...but it'll definitely point you in the right direction!" to that old saying. ;)

I'm in the "well above a six figure" yearly dollar range and have been told by my tax attorney I'm in the top 5% earning bracket here in the US, don't know if that's true and frankly I don't care. I am NOT bringing it up to somehow show off but rather to point out that I'm not any happier than people who only make a fraction of that. In fact, I venture to say they're probably happier than I am.

I am always on the road, I fly for a living for a succesful airline. However, I am also divorced and I think being gone all the time was one reason to our marriage falling apart. I eat great food, get to see interesting places, buy some nice toys every now and then and spend some of my money on my favorite charities. ...but I still come home to an empty house. I am not whining nor do I want anyone to feel sorry for me, I live a great life. BUT I often wonder if I'd been any happier had I had a regular 9-5 job and had I been able to spend more time with my family? I don't know for sure but I think it's very possible.

So I guess I am directing my post to those here who encourage others to "move overseas and make more money!" I say, no, focus on what will make you and your family happy and the rest will take care of itself...

Just my 1/2 penny on the subject...
skysoulmate   
13 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

First of all, after posting my reply I realized that I was pretty harsh and wanted to revise my reply but it was too late. So sorry about the name calling part.

"...You know the difference between ethnicity and citizenship, do you? The immigration officers at Ellis Island and elsewhere were NOT interested in your heritage or if you felt like an ethnic Pole. In the vast majority of cases they asked the immigrants in which country they were born. So yes, an ethnic Pole born in the German Empire was a German citizen. If you don't get this then you really need to stay away from this thread, as you do not understand the basic principles of genealogy..."

Yes, I do know the difference. Please see my original post though. I never claimed those numbers came from some kind official statistics collected on the Ellis Island. Instead those were simply "good-to-know" polls where people were asked "so, what is your heritage? Where did your family come from when they arrived in America some 200, 150, 100, etc. years ago?" Then someone took his time to look at some of those surveys and realized that a majority of those interviewed mentioned cities and regions in Germany that weren't really German areas per se but today people don't remember or are simply ignorant... They remembered their granny had some German papers way back when so surely they must be of a German heritage, right? You know, "we are Polanskis from Krakau region, Germany..." etc, etc. So are they really of a German heritage? You say potatoes...

"...Are you sure? Maybe it's just you who desperately wants to see Russia as an enemy of Poland? Are you a Reagan fan by any chance? ;)..."

Not really, I wish Russia (I'm talking government not people) was a true friend of Poland and other countries but I do not trust that regime... ...and yes, I'm a big fan of Ronald Reagan... I take it you prefered Gorby? ;)

"... I didn't say that. An ethnic Pole born in the Russian Empire was a Russian citizen, even if he felt Polish. Citizenship/ethnicity ... see above..."

Those polls were about "perceived heritage". In other words, "what is your heritage?" - not "what was your grandparents' citizenship?" Although many thought it was the same thing and I disagree with that premise. See above...

Enjoyed the discussion, time to move on...
skysoulmate   
13 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

WW2 ended in 1945 and the USSR stopped bordering Poland in December 1991. There are no valid reasons whatsoever to be suspicious, except for being paranoid probably.

One could argue WW2 ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union or at the very least with the countries of former Soviet block becoming free of the Soviet oppresion. USSR is gone but Poland is still bordering a part of Russia. You can call me paranoid and I'll call you an apeaser. In 25 years or so we'll see who was right. I hope it's you but history tells otherwise.

Yep, which "assured" Poland by dumping the missile shield... :)

Since you're such a friend of the peaceful Russia it should please you America now has a president who caves into the Russian demands?

Such as? If an ethnic Pole was born in the German Empire, he was a German (citizen) and not a citizen of some non-existent state. Legally there were NO occupied territories, just three different nations - Russia, Austria-Hungary and the German Empire. Claiming something else is wishful thinking.

That's probably one of the stupidest things I've ever read, and I've read some crazy stuff. When people are polled in the US about their backgrounds they look into each person's heritage, his/her identity, not what the passport said.

Yeah, you are right, people born in Warsaw identified themselves as Russians when Russia was in charge... Yeah, right. Is your name Quisling by any chance? If not, it should be. You're each occupying power's dream...

Let's go back to the subject of the birth certificate. We'll never agree anyways.
skysoulmate   
13 Jan 2010
Work / Looking for information on Polish AF Pay [10]

I am writing a fictional story and the character is a Polish AF officer.

Not a Polish AF officer but an aviator myself. Will your book be published in English or Polish? I'd be interested in your book...

Good luck with your research.
skysoulmate   
12 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

Well, the certificate is of a great historical value to you and to your family. However, there've been milions and millions of displaced and stateless Poles throughout many generations.

To put things in perspective - I once read that some 15% of Americans claim a German heritage. Then I read that more 90% of those "Germans" were actually people from many occupied territories, or refugees who ended up in Germany and then continued on to America as "Germans" since their home countries didn't "exist" or were under occupation. The very same situation existed on the eastern border. Many cities, regions and whole countries "changed hands" several times.

The birth certificate you have is a symbol of those times and it also explains why today Poland is one of the most pro-American nations in Europe. For some very valid reasons the Polish government and the Polish population at large does not trust their neighbors to the West and to the East and looks for assurances from America instead.

If you have any specific questions keep posting them here or use the PM function. Your wife will like your gift, you can count on it. :)
skysoulmate   
12 Jan 2010
Food / Why carp for Polish Christmas? [157]

Nika
the tradition is ok but if you eat carp from the bath check for pubic hairs.

Wow... Go... Brazilian?

...Also, Polish carp probably tastes better than the one in the USA....

Not really, have tried both kinds many times... Now salmon, that's the real thing, healthy and tasty!

I like and respect traditions... I just think they should rename salmon to the Polish Carp and then everyone would be happy! LOL
skysoulmate   
12 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

I'm definitely going to include that information in the 'Polish roots project', so thank you.

You're welcome. Very few countries have "re-appeared" after being "extinct" for several generations.

I find this certificate very interesting because it pertains to a person who was born in 1918 - the year Poland became an independent state again but also because the certificate was produced in 1944 in Russian meaning the territory was under the Russian occupation once again (probably after the Germans had been pushed back). The certificate symbolizes the history of Poland...
skysoulmate   
12 Jan 2010
Love / Polish boyfriend coming to visit [52]

...My grand daughter's other grandmother told her, "Marry a rich man so you can have a house like that."

So, yes....many times girls are given this type of advice. :-(

That's so passé! I thought the advice young girls were getting nowadays was "marry a rich guy so you get to keep the house and half of his savings when you divorce him."

Am I wrong here? ;)

I'm afraid you will have to face your girl's parents, friends, uncles, aunts and employers. My husband doesn't seem to mind but I go crazy every time I hear "you're in Poland, you must learn Polish now" with this cheeky smile on their faces... It's really annoying. Especially that so may Poles do speak Englisg and so few of them are ready to use it.

To play the devil's advocate here - wouldn't you say that part of being an immigrant is to absorb the host country's culture and traditions, including the language? Of course that doesn't preclude keeping your old customs and traditions as well...
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

By the way, if this birth certificate is indeed from 1918 AND from a Polish teritory then it's pretty special in itself.

In 1795 Poland disappeared from the world map as an independent country. Starting in 1772 the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania (the two countries were united at one point) was partitioned (three separate times) between Russia, Prussia and the Austrian-Hungerian empire. In 1795 the country finally seized to exist - until 1918 that is!

Hope I didn't mess up the Polish history too much...

So this birth certificate could possibly be one of the last ones from an occupied area of Poland.
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Genealogy / What certificate is this?; birth certificate from the greek catholic church [63]

The name implies Russian or Ukrainian roots rather than Polish. Also, since it's in Russian at the very least it's possibly from a Russian occupied area of Poland. It's hard to read, what year does it show?

Then again, many, many generations of rape and pillage brought by the tsarist Russian secret police to be followed by the Communist Soviet (primarily Russian) NKVD/KGB "encouraged" many Poles (and other nationalities) to change their names to more Russian sounding names - the infamous Russification. To be fair, the Germans and the Austrians weren't that much better and had their own share of forced Germanisation of occupied territories.
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Love / Polish boyfriend coming to visit [52]

what part of our country have you visted so far?

I've visited Manila and Cabanatuan the most but I've also been to Quezon City (sp?), Batangas, Angeles and some other smaller cities but I can't remember the names. Subic Bay and the beach area is very nice.

I've met quite a few Philipinos, some poor and some rich, some older and some younger. They all seemed happy and always tried to keep a positive outlook on life which I like. Often I also witnessed how relatively poor people would try to help other, even less fortunate folks. The kindness of the locals is probably what I like the most about PI.

Paalam ;)
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]

Fiish - I've been to Ireland a few times and personally I think the Irish women are very beautiful. Of course, I think you'll find beautiful women in every country but I do like the Nordic traits of the Irish ladies (guess the Vikings left some DNA on that island :) and I find the Irish dialect very sexy.

i would encourage you please as men to go out and try to be a little less critical as the love of your life could well end up be part of the group you are disrespecting with the awful words you use in your threads.

MariaP - as a man I agree 100% What the heck happened to manners and politeness? Seriously... C'mon guys, you all know we can do better than that... Think of every comment you make here as a comment directed toward your mother, your sister or your wife... (no, not your ex-wife! lol)
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

Or should we do an ola123 and kick the English out of Polish? :D

Don't worry... All languages are influenced by other languages (well, except the Icelandic language which is why "internet" comes out to "alþjóðanet" and "download" becomes "sækja skrá af fjarlægri tölvu" on the Ice Rock ;).

There's always influence... It used to be Greek, then Latin, then French, then German and Russian, now English, soon Mandarin and after that Marsian or maybe Klingon?...

Qapla - that's Good Bye in Klingon LOL
skysoulmate   
11 Jan 2010
Love / Polish boyfriend coming to visit [52]

They got married a few years later, and last year I went to visit them in Ireland after seven years had passed! I was nervous, but it was a wonderful reunion and I feel that they are happy and right for each other. The love I had is still there, but with no trace of romance.

Softsong - quite an incredible story... It shows you're a top notch person...

Marek1024 - I fly into Manila very often and love your country. It's the Hawaii of Asia in my view and I live in Hawaii so I can compare...

I know nothing about your boyfriend but I think what you should focus on is the local culture and traditions. I believe that Poland and the Philippines both share a love for the family life - it is an integral part of both cultures. You should show him how friendly and kind the locals are to each other and to people they don't know and I think that'll make him feel at home.

Good luck to you both or Palarin ka sana... :)
skysoulmate   
10 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Any Polish in, or coming to Hawaii? [24]

...but I think they using english so you must recognise them thanks to a white socks.

Huh? Not sure what all this means...

Weather? High 27C, Low 19C, right now 24C.
skysoulmate   
10 Jan 2010
Life / Are foreigners welcome in Poland? [267]

My husband went to Sweden and absolutely loved it. He didn't observe any "giraffe syndrome" there -in contrary to Poland. People seem to mind their own business there. Is that so?

ooshak - sorry for 'butting in' in your discussion but I thought I'd give you my perspective...

I spend most of my childhood and teenage years in Sweden and now live in the States. I think Swedes are very tolerant although there are neo-nazis and others who embarrass the country. Many Swedes are more uncomfortable with Muslims rather than with with a specific race as they do not seem to assimilate as easily into the Swedish society. In some areas you'll find people who've lived there for years and years and they barely speak any Swedish yet they get food, housing and child care subsidies from the Swedish government. Needless to say it feeds resentment. Also, there have been several "honor killings" in Scandinavia in recent years (personally I think that term should be changed to "dishonor murders" but that's a different story) and that doesn't help. Overall though I truly believe Swedes are very tolerant despite what some people here say...

...but I think that racism exists everywhere. Sometimes I wonder if it's a natural process of getting to "feel better" about ourselves by exploiting differences in others whether the difference is the language, the religion, the skin color, the sexual orientation, etc, etc... Someone MUST always be "worst" than us...
skysoulmate   
10 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Polish people in Alaska [41]

That's possible, haven't looked into it... My reply was pertaining more to the living costs in a regular 3 bedroom house, with all utility costs, food, etc. included. Land might be cheaper there than let's say in California but again, I know very little about it...
skysoulmate   
10 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Polish people in Alaska [41]

Dorcia - I don't live in Alaska but I'm there about once a month, usually in Anchorage.

Not sure where you live right now; that way I could give you a good comparison to what you're used to. Remember - Alaska and Hawaii are the most expensive states in the US. From what I've seen, if you know the overall price levels in California and New York (pretty expensive) - add 20-35% and you'll come pretty close to Alaska rates.

Anchorage is a unique city because they actually do not have any sales tax in that city (the rest of the country is usually anywhere from 5-15%) however it's still pretty expensive there or more expensive than in other states. After being a resident for a year or so everyone is entitled to the Alaska oil revenue check which I believe was around $1300 last year. Nice to get paid to live there however, trust me the money will be gone fast enough...

Winters in Alaska - well depends on where - it's a huge state. Juneau is actually fairly mild similar to Stockholm if you're familiar with that part of the world. Anchorage a little colder but not too bad... Fairbanks - well, it's a city of extremes.

The highest recorded temperature in Fairbanks was 96 °F (36 °C), while the lowest was −62 °F (−52.2 °C).

h t t p:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairbanks,_Alaska

Summers are incredible although it can rain quite often. 20 °C to 30 °C and extremely beautiful surroundings...

Do not know anything about the Polish community but I'm sure it exists. However, Alaska is a tough place to be at while looking for a job because you'll deplete your savings before you get the job so if you're serious about moving there I'd say start applying way before you go and ideally get to know some people there because it's such a small job market. I believe there are less than 700,000 people living in the entire state of Alaska (don't quote me on that lol).

That's about all I know, hope it helps...